AFTERNOON MEDITATIONS AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!Psalm 56:8"Put thou my tears into thy bottle; are they not in thy book?"DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGHHave you ever watched the process of diamond making? It's very interesting. There's a lot of excavation that is necessary to retrieve the rocks that have diamonds within them. In its pure state it is a rough stone, yet a potentially precious stone. there is a process that it must go through in order to take it from the 'rough' stage to the 'precious' stage. Hence the term, 'Diamonds in The Rough'.We are all diamonds in the rough! A diamond is multi-dimensional with prisms of shades and color that glistens. No two diamonds are the same! They are unique and special!Diamonds have to go through a process to become what we see. This process requires:1. Very high pressure because pressure makes diamonds! 2. Very high temperature.The Lord puts his people through a similar process. He is the 'Diamond Expert!" He knows just how much pressure to put us under and how hot the temperature needs to be in order to melt away the dross and all the impurities in our lives. His tools cut sharp and deep, yet, every stroke is guided by His loving hand.A diamond is noticeable and it stands out! A diamond is priceless and valuable. A diamond is not cheap!What is God using to shape you and to mold you? How are you standing up to the pressure and heat of God's hand upon you? Are you compliant or complaining?God, our diamond expert is gentle, merciful and kind. He handles us with care. He weeps with us when He sees our tears. He understands that we are human and frail. He feels our pain.May the Lord help you and me to give ourselves over to Him and let Him have His way with us.**This is a chapter out of my latest book, 'Rich Beyond Measure' where I share some the things the Lord has put me through and have delivered me as I endured trials and adversity over the course of 37 years of walking with Him. You can find my book on Amazon in paperback and e-book format.